Weighing-machine



(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1,

F. H. RICHARDS.

WBIGHING MACHINE.

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(No`Mde1.) n 4 Sheets-Sheet 2. F. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MACHINE.

No. 585,985. Patented Ju1'y6,1897.

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4 Sheets-Sheet-3. P. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MACHINE.

(No Model.)

No. 585,985. Patented July 6,1897.

(No Model.) 4sneens-sheen4- F. H. RICHARDS.

WEIGHING MACHINE.

No. 585,985. Patented July 6, 1897.I

Wilbe/asses.- Inventor:

UNITED STATES PATENT EETCE,

FRANCIS Il. RICHARDS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

WElGHlNG-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 585,985, dated July 6,1897.

Application tiled February 17, 1897. Serial No. 623,789. (No model.)

Be it known that I, FRANCIS H. RICHARDS, a citizen of the United States,residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State ofConnecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inVeighing-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to weighin g machines for automatically weighingand delivering various classes of granular and similar materials.

With respect to one of its features the invention comprehends theprovision of improved stream-controlling means which embodies astream-controller supported by links connected thereto at differentpoints, said links being also preferably secured to the framework,whereby said stream-controller is given a peculiar action as it isactuated to stop the supply to the load-receiver, so that blocking orchoking of the material as it issues from the hopper is prevented. Inthe form illustrated the stream-controller consists of a valve, and Ihave connected links thereto at opposite sides of one of its axes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a conveyer and a casingfor said conveyer, a portion of the latter being supported for movementrelatively to the former, such movable portion being preferably the doorof the casing, whereby when said floor is tilted or dropped any materialthat is within the casing can readily pass therefrom, the easing beingpreferably disposed at an inclination to facilitate this result. In thepresent instance such conveyer is employed for forcing` from theload-receiver of the weighing mechanism a part of the material therein,the tilting fioor of the casing being intermittently operated, or whenthe load is discharged to effect the removal of the material within thecasing as it constitutes a part of the load.

Another object of the invention is to furnish improved closer mechanismcompre hending a closer supported for reciprocatory movement relativelyto the load-receiver and a regulator rigidly connected therewith. The

closer in the present case is supported for vertical movement relativelyto the load-receiver, it having affixed thereto a rod to which isfastened a regulator, said regulator being so disposed as to be actedupon by the mass discharged from the load-receiver, whereby the shuttingof said closer is sufficiently retarded or prolonged las to permit thecomplete emptying of the load-receiver.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification,Figure lis a rear elevation ot' a weighing-machine embodying my presentimprovements, and it shows the positions occupied by the respectiveparts at the commencement of operation. Fig. 2 is an end elevation ofthe machine as seen from the left in Fig. l, the parts beingin positionscorresponding with said figure. Figs. 3 and 4 are views similar to Fig.2, showing the ma chine in two successive positions. Fig. 5 is alongitudinal central section of the streamcontrolling mechanism and afragment of the load-receiver. Fig. 5 is a detail plan view of the valvemechanism. Fig. 7 is adetail view, in rear elevation, of the load-reducin g means, showing a portion of the framework and the load receiver inlongitudinal section; and Fig. S is a detail view in elevation of alatchtripper.

Similar characters designate like parts in all the figures of thedrawings.

As to certain of its features my present invention is in the nature ofan improvement on the invention disclosed by Letters Patent No. 572,067,granted to me November 24, 1396, to which reference may be had.

The framework for supporting the various parts of the machine may be ofany suitable or preferred structure, it consisting in the present caseof the chambered or hollow base or bed 2, the end frames 3 and il, whichrise therefrom, and the brackets 5 and G, which are mounted on said endframes and which extend oppositely from the supply chute or hopper H,the latter, in conjunction with a suitable stream-controller, constitutinga convenient means for overloading the load-receiver of the weighingmechanism.

The weighing mechanism, as is usual, includes a load-receiver, such asG, and supporting-beam mechanism therefor, the latter comprising in thepresent case the oppositelydisposed counterweighted scale-beams B andB', respectively, which are pivotally mounted on the base 2 and whichare equipped with suitable supports for the load-receiver-such, forexample, as shown in Letters Patent No.

ICO

513,810, granted to me October 2S, 1305, to which reference may be had.

The load-receiver has in its bottom the usual discharge-outlet, throughwhich the loads of material are intermittently discharged, said outletbeing normally covered by a closer,such as L, which consists of a platecomprising two oppositely-disposed angular portions 7 and 8, which arecontiguous to the similarly-shaped lower edge of the load-receiver whensaid closer is shut, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. The closer L has ateach end thereof the vertical guard-walls 9 and 10, forming a partthereof, and to the same the rods 12 and 13 will be preferably secured,as by riveting, said rods extending for some distance below the closerfor a purpose that will hereinafter appear.

The load-discharge-controlling means includes a latch, such as L,mounted on the load-receiver G, and being so located as to engage amember that is connected with the closer whereby the closer can be heldshut. The weighted arm let of the latch, the action of which is limitedby a suitably-positioned stop on the load-receiver, swings downward toengage the cooperating arm 15 of the rocker 1G, said latch-arin beingprovided with a suitable catch for engaging a lug or projection on theadjacent rocker-arm 15 when the closer is shut. The rocker 16 is fixedto the rockshaft 17, which is mounted on the upper end of theload-receiver, and it has pivoted thereto the rod 13, which is likewiseattached to the closer-rod12. The shaft 17 has secured thereto at itsopposite end the crank-arm 19, which is connected with the closer-rod 13by the rod 20, pivoted, respectively, to these parts and which moves inparallelism with the rod 18. On the completion of a load the catch 14Cwill be automatically lifted above the lug 15 on the rocker-arm 15,thereby releasing the closer L, so that it can be forced verticallydownward or open by the pressure of the mass within the load-receiver,the material promptly passing from the inclined sections 7 and S of thecloser L, as shown in Fig. 4.

For shutting the closer L on the discharge of a load l provide a weightor weights, such as and 26, at opposite sides of the load-receiver, theweights being formed on the free arms of the levers 27, which are fixedto the rock-shaft 2S, that passes through the loadreceiver, thenon-counterweighted arms of said levers being pivoted to the rods 12 and13 at their points of connection with the rods 13 and 20, respectively.On the opening of the closer L the two weights 25 and 2G will be raised,so that at the proper time when they drop they can raise or shut thecloser L and also swing the rocker 10 about its axis, whereby its arm 15may be engaged by the closerlatch L.

rlhe closer L, which, it will be understood, is supported for verticalmovement relatively to the load-receiver, has rigidly connectedtherewith a closer-retarding regulator, situated within thedischarge-hopper Il', located below the load-receiver G, said hopperbeing suitably secured within the chambered base 2. The regulator, whichis designated by R, is of a shape similar to that of the closer L and issituated below the same, it being fixed to the rods 12 and 13 in somesuitable manner, as by riveting. Then the load is discharged by theload-receiver G, the mass will be thrown against the oppositely-inclinedportions or walls and 3l of hopper l'l/ and, rebounding, will strike theopposite inclined faces of the regulator R, (see Fig. 4,) which aredisposed approximately at a right angle to the inclined portions of thehopper, whereby the regulator is made to retain sufficient of thedischarged material to hold the closer L down or open for a sufficientlength of time to insure the discharge of the whole load. Vhen thematerial has all passed from the regulatorR, the closer L is shut by thedropping of the weights 25 and 2G and then latched in the mannerhereinbefore set forth. The lower end of the discharge-hopper H." ispreferably reduced somewhat, as at 32, to contine the material withinthe hopper temporarily, so that the resistance thereof to the action ofthe regulator, and hence the closer L, will be prolonged.

The stream-controller in the present case consists of a concave valve V,reciprocatory below the discharge-opening of the hopper to cover oruncover said opening, said valve being supported by links, which areconnected thereto at different points, said links being preferablypivoted to the valve at points to the front and rear, respectively, ofits longitudinal axis. rlhe links are arrangedin pairs, those located atthe front of the valve being designated by o5 and 36 and being connectedwith the brackets 5 and G, respectively, the link having at its upperend the longitudinal hub 35', which is adapted to receive pivot-screwsin its ends on the bracket 5. The second pair of links, which constituteguides, are those located at the rear of the valve and which extenddownward therefrom and are designated by 37 and 3S, respectively, thelast mentioned being pivoted to the bracket 3S on the end frame 1 andthe link 37 being secured to the short rock-arin 37', that is supportedby the bracket 37", which forms a part of the end frame 3.

For closing the valve to cut off the stream which emerges from thehopper ll the weight 39 is employed, said weight being formed at the endof the arm L10, which extends from the hub 35', and exerting a constantvalveclosing action, which, however, is limited by the weighingmechanism, the latter constituting a means for opening the valve V. Theshaft 37 carries at its outer end the short crank-arm il, to which ispivoted the rod 12, the free end of said rod bearing against theauxiliary beam or valve-actuator B, that is carried by the main beam B.The auxiliary beam Bl' is shiftably supported by the main IIO beam B, itbeing pivoted to the latter at a` point near the poising end thereof.The valve V being withdrawn, as represented in Fig. 2, and the free endof the rod 42 bearing against the beam mechanism, a stream of largevolume will flow from the hopper H and will enter the load-receiver G,and when a certain proportion 0f the predetermined charge has beenreceived by the latter it, with the beam mechanism, will descend and theauxiliary beam B", moving away from the rod 42, will permit the weight39 to drop, thereby swinging the valve V under the mouth of the hopperto reduce and subsequently cut off the supplystream, the load-receiverwhen the valve has been closed, as indicated in Fig. 3, having a supplyof material therein exceed ing that determined upon for a true charge.On the discharge of the load and the return of the auxiliary beam Bl toits normal position the latter will transmit an upward thrust to the rod42 for opening the valve V or swinging it from under the outlet ofthehopper H to permit the supply to again enter the load-receiver. y

It will be understood that my present invention comprehends theprovision of overloading and load-reducing means, the former'beingoperable to deliver to the load-receiver a supply of material in excessof that determined upon for a true load, the surplus being subsequentlyremoved by the load-reduc ing means, said load-reducing means, in thepresent case, embodying as a component thereof a conveyor for forcing orpositively removing the excess from the load-receiver.

The conveyer is designated by C, and it is of the screw type, it beinglocated within the casing 45, the latter being cylindrical and setwithin the opening 4G, that is formed adjacent to the upper end of theload-receiver. The shaft of the conveyer is designated by 47, and it issupported by suitable hangers that depend from the opposite ends of thecasing, such shaft being passed through and preferably keyed to thelongitudinal integral sleeve 4S of the conveyer.

A spout is represented at 49situated partly around the outlet of theconveyer-casing 45, the lip of said spout being located over anauxiliary load-receiver into which the excess removed from the mainload-receiver Gr is delivered, said auxiliary load-receiver beingpreferably carried by the framework, as will hereinafter appear. Theconveyer casing and the shaft thereof project into the loadreceiver tofacilitate the removal of material from the same when the conveyer is inac tion, a portion of the iioor or bottom of the casing being removed,so that material can readily drop from the conveyor when it is stoppedat the conclusion of the weighing operation. To insure the completeemptying of the conveyor-casing, its partial floor 50 Will be supportedfor tilting movement relatively to the conveyer, said floor beingpivoted to the lower wall of the opening 4G in the loadreceiver andhaving the curved or concave portion 5l, which lits within a concavityin the body portion of the casing. The door 50 will be tilted or droppedon the discharge of a load, and to effect this operation I prefer toconnect it with the closer L. A rod is shown at 52, pivoted,respectively, to the tilting floor 50 and to the closer L, and on theopening of the latter the iioor 50 will be promptly tripped to permitthe removal of all material within the casing 45.

The driving mechanism for the conveyer C includes a clutch, such as C',the action of one of the members thereof being preferably controlled bythe Weighing mechanism, whereby the conveyor can be automatically throwninto and out of action. The clutch C consists of two members 55 and 5G,the first mentioned being affixed to the power or driving shaft 57 onthe end frame 3 and the member 56 being longitudinally slidable on saidshaft,

so that it can be readily coupled to or un# coupled from its mate, saidclutch being of ordinary construction. The shaft 57 carries thedriver5S, in the form of a pulley, which can be connected by belting to asuitable motor. (Not shown.)

The shaft 47 of the conveyer C has pivoted at its outer end the couplingdevice 60, the opposite end of the latter being connected by a universaljoint of suitable kind to the drivin g-shaft 57. rllhe clutch-regulatingmechanism includes two members in screw-threaded engagement, one ofwhich is preferably connected to the clutch-actuator, the latter beingdesignated by A.

The actuator consists of a hub or body portion 6l and a bifurcated arm62, extending therefrom, the opposite members of said arm beingfurnished with projecting pins, which are located within a peripheralchannel or groove on the slidable clutch member 56. The hub or bodyportion 6l of t-he clutch-actuator is secured to thelongitudinally-threaded bolt or pin 63, that is seated and movablewithin the internallysthreaded sleeve or nut 64, situ ated in an openingin the end frame 3 at a point just below the shaft 57. lVhen the sleeveor nut G4 is turned or rotated by suitable means,it will be evident thatthe threaded bolt 63 will be moved into or out of the same, according tothe direction in Which the said sleeve may be turned, means beingprovided to prevent the endwise or longitudinal movement of the sleevewhen it is thus turned. The sleeve 64 has at its inner end the annularstop-shoulder G5, a pair of stop-rings, as 66 and 66', being driven overthe opposite end of the sleeve and in contact with the frame, so thatthe longitudinal movement of the sleeve will be prevented. The means inthe present case for turning the sleeve or nut 64 consists of acounterweighted arm 67, the action of which is controlled by theweighing mechanism, said arm being preferably cast integral with thesleeve or nut 64.

The arm G7 is pivoted at GS to the recipro- IOO IIO

catory rod 68, the free end of the latter bearing against the auxiliarybeam B, said rod being connected, preferably, by a guide-link to theframework. Then the valve V is open, as represented in Fig. 2, acomparativelylarge stream of material will gravitate from the hopper Hinto the emptyload-receiver to overload the same, and when a certainquantity has been received by said load-receiver it, with the beammechanism, will descend, the auxiliary beam B moving away from thereciprocatory rod, which permits the counterweighted arm 67 to drop, andconsequently to turn the threaded sleeve or nut 64, whereby the bolt 63will be drawn thereinto, and the clutch member 56, through the actuatorA, which is connected with said bolt 63, will be slid along thedriving-shaft 57 toward the fixed clutch member 55. At about the timethe weighing mechanism is near the poising-line, the load-receiverhaving a quantity of material approximately equal to the determinedcharge, the clutch member 56 will be nearly in engagement with itscompanion 55, so that on the further and slight descending movement ofthe weighing mechanism these members will be caused to engage, tothereby start the conveyer C for forcing from the load-receiver thesurplus. As the load-receiver is lightened it will rise with the beammechanism, the rod 68 and the arm 67 being also lifted to reverse themovement of the sleeve 6i, and consequently to throw the clutch member56 out of engagement with its mate, this lastmentioned operation beingcompleted at the time the .surplus has been withdrawn from theload-receiver.

As a means for receiving the surplus removed from the main load-receiverG, I provide an auxiliary load receiver or reservoir R, which issuitably secured to a bracket, such as 70, that extends inward from theframe 3, such auxiliary lead-receiverbeingin the form of a hopper, withits receiving end located in alinement vwith the discharge end 49 of theconveyer or screw casing a5, said auxiliary load-receiver beingpreferably valved, whereby it can contain temporarily the materialwithdrawn from the main load-receiver. The valve for the auxiliaryload-receiveris designated by 7l, and it is supported for oscillatorymovement beneath the outlet of the same, it being fixed to the pivot-pin7 2, that is passed through a lug on the bracket 70, said valve havingiixed thereto the actuating-arm 73, that tends normally to close thesame, such action, however, being limited by the pin 7l on the rod 42,which is located under said 'valve-closing arm.

Then the various parts descend from the position shown in Fig. 2, thepin 74: will fall away from the valve-actuating arm 7 3 until the valveabuts against the stop-pin 75 on the auxiliary load-receiver R', theparts continuing such movement after the valve has been thusintercepted. On the ascent of the weighing mechanism during theload-reducing` period and at about the time the load is discharged thepin 7 at will be nearly in contact with the arm 7 3. The valve 7l beingclosed, as shown in Fig. 3, and the conveyer C being in motion, thesurplus can be removed from the load-receiver G and discharged into theauxiliary load-receiver R'. On the discharge of the load the main beamsB and B and the load-receiver G return to their normal positions, butthe return of the auxiliary beam B will be blocked by interlocking-stopmechanism, as will hereinafter appear, the latter being operable to holdthe auxiliary beam against return to its normal position until thecloser is shut. On the shutting of the closer the auxiliary beam B" isreleased and can immediately drop to resume its normal position, whenthe stop-pin 76 thereon will reach the adjacent beam B', and in so doingit will transfer its effect to the rod t2 to open the valve V in themanner hereinbefore set forth and at the same time to open the auxiliaryvalve 7l through the medium of the pin 74C, engaging the arm 73, themass contained within the auxiliary reservoir R being discharged intothe spout 77 on the load-receiver to form the first part of a new loadto be made.

The tripper for the closer-holding latch L is a by-pass tripper, itbeing in the form of a counterweighted dog pivotally supported near theupper end of the reciprocatory rod 68. (See Fig. S.) The load-receiverhas on one of its end walls the projecting bracket 7 S, which carriesthe rock-shaft 7 0, said rockshaft being furnished with theoppositelyprojecting arms 8O and Sl, the arm S0 being connected with thearm let of the latch L by the link 80' and the free end of the arm 8lbeing disposed in the path of the by-pass tripper, which is designatedby T.

The latch-tripper T is counterweighted, as at S2, and is furnished witha pin S3, which normally bears against the rod 68, it being maintainedin such position by said counterweight S2. The tripper T also has thearm Si, which has a lug thereon, the inside face 86 of which is curved.At the commencement of operation the lug S5 will be situated at a pointabove the free end of the arm 8l, as shown in Fig. 2. As the weighingmechanism descends the tripper T will be carried downward therewithuntil the curved face 86 of the lug meets the said arm Sl, whereby saidtripper will be forced sidewise in the direction of the arrow, Fig. S,so that it can pass below the arm S1, as represented in Fig. 3, withoutaffecting the latch L'. On the upstroke of the weighing mechanism andwhen the load has reached completion the tripper T will impinge againstthe rock-arm Sl and, through the intermediate connections, will lift theweighted arm ll of the latch and disen gage its catch 1l from thccooperating lug l5' on the rocker-arm l5, whereby the closer L will bereleased and can be forced downward in the manner hereinbefore setforth. (See Fig. Ll.)

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In connection with the stream-controller or valve V and the closer L, lprovide a pair of reciprocally-eifective interlocking stops, one otwhich is intended to block the action of the other and consequently ofthe member with which it is coperative. The rocker 16, which is in theform of an open or skeleton segment, constitutes one of said stops, thecooperating stop being designated by 90 and being similar inconstruction to the stop 16, it being fixed to the hub 35'. Theoperation of the two stops will be evident from an inspection of Figs. 2and 4 of the drawings. Theclos'er L being shut and the valve being open,as indicated in Fig. 2, the stop or segs ment 16 will be adjacent to thecurved face curvature of the stop 16, as shown at Fig. 4.

Vhen the latch L' is tripped, the closer L will be promptly forced openand the stop 16 will be swung about its axis with its curved facesubstantially in contact with the stop 90, whereby retractive movementof the latter, and hence of the valve V, is prevented, this relationcontinuing so long as the closer L is open.

It will be understood, also, that while the load-receiver G and the mainbeams B andkB' can return promptly to their normal positions on thedischarge of a load such movement of the auxiliary beam B will beprevented by the closer-operative interlocking stop 16 acting throughthe stop and the intervening connections between said stop and theauxiliary beam. Vhen, however, the closer is Vshut and latched, theauxiliary beam B" is immediately caused to return to its primaryposition, and in so doing the rod 4t2 is forced upward thereby and iscaused to open the main valve V and thev auxiliary valve 71, whereby asthe latter is opened the material within the auxiliary reservoir R' isdischarged into the main load-receiver G through the spout 77.

The operation ofthe hereinbefore-described machine, brieiiy stated, isas follows: Fig. 2 represents the positions occupied by the variousparts at the commencement of operation, the closer L being shut and heldin such position by the latch L', which is in engagement with the arm 15of the rocker 16, and the valve V being wide open a stream of materialof large volume will liow from the hopper H and enter the load-receiverto overload the same. When a certain quantity of material has beenreceived by the Weighing mechanism, it will descend, and the auxiliarybeam B, moving away from the rod 42, will permit the closure of thevalve by the dropping of the counterweight 89, said valve being fullyclosed when the load-receiver is overloaded or has received a supply ofmaterial in excess of that determined upon for a charge. As the rod 42is moved downward the pin 74 will fall away from the counterweighted arm7 3, thereby permitting the latter to drop for closing the auxiliaryvalve 71, the rod simultaneously descending and being pivoted at 68 tothe counterweighted arm 67 the latter will be caused to fall, and beingattached to the sleeve 6l will turn the same to run the bolt 63 intosaid sleeve, whereby the actuator A for the clutch C', which isconnected with said bolt, can slide the clutch member 56 along thedriving-shaft 57, and at about the time the weighing mechanism haspassed be low the poising-line the two clutch members 55 and 56 will becoupled, thereby starting the conveyer C, so that it can remove thematerial from the main load-receiver, which is directed into theauxiliary load-reservoir R', the valve 71 of the latter being shut atthis time, as shown in Fig. 3. As the load-receiver is lightened it willof course rise, the auxiliary beam B" lifting the rod 68, andconsequently the arm 67, so that the clutch member 56 will be slowlydisengaged from the clutch member 55, this operation being completed atthe time the true load is in the loadreceiver. l 'In Fig. 2 the tripperTis represented above the rock arm 81, but when the weighing mechanismpasses below the poising-line said tripper willhave descended below saidarm in the manner hereinbefore specified, so that on the upstroke of therod 68, which carries the same and which. is operated from the beammechanism, the arm 81 will be raised by said latchtripper, therebylifting the weighted arm 14 of the latch L' through the intermediateconnections, so that said latch will be disengaged from the arm 15 ofthe rocker 16 and the release ofthe closer L will follow, whereby thelatter can be forced downward to effect the discharge of the load intothe hopper H', where the material acts on the regulator R to prolong theshutting of the closer L. On the shutting ot the closer L the remainingparts of the weighing mechanism will be returned to their initialpositions, and the pin 74 on the rod 42, as the weighing mechanismrises, will impinge against and lift the counterweighted arm 7 3,whereby the auxiliary valve 71 will be opened to permit the contents ofthe auxiliary receiver R to pass into the empty main loadreceiver G.

Having described my invention, l claim- 1. The combination, withweighing mechanism including a load-receiver, of a conveyer; a casingfor said conveyor, said casing being mounted on the load-receiver andhaving a part supported for movement relatively to the conveyer; drivingmechanism for operating said conveyerduring the weighing of a load, toremove material from the ITO load-receiver; and means for shifting saidmovable casing part at a predetermined point.

The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver, of aconvcyer; a casing for said conveyer, mounted on the load-receiver, thedoor of said casing being supported for tilting movement relatively tothe conveyer; driving mechanism for operating said eonveyer during theweighing of a load, to remove material from the load-receiver; and meansfor shifting the casing-floor at a predetermined point.

The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver, of aconveyer; a easing for said conveyer, having a tilting iloor; drivingmechanism for operating said conveyer during the weighing of a load, torelnove material from the load-receiver; and means for shifting saidtilting iioor on the discharge of a load.

4. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiverprovided with a closer, of a conveyer; a casing for said eonveyer,mount-ed on the load-receiver and having a tilting iioor; drivingmechanism for operating said eonveyer during the weighing of a load, toremove material from the load-receiver; and a connection between saidtilting iioor and the closer, whereby on the opening of the latter theiioor will be shifted.

5. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiver;of a conveyer mounted on the load-receiver, for effecting the removal ofmaterial therefrom; stream-supplying means; a valve; links carrying saidvalve; a rod connected with the valve; driving mechanism for saidconveyer; and means operative with said rod, for controlling the actionof the conveyer.

G. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiver,of overloading and load-reducing means, the loadreducing means includinga conveyer; and a casing for said eonveyer, said casing having a partthereof supported for movement relatively to the conveyer.

7. The combination, with weighing meehanism including a load-receiver,of a conveyer and its driving mechanism embodying a clutch; aclutch-actuator; two members in screw -threaded engagement, one of saidmembers being cooperative with the clutchactuator; and means controlledby the weighing mechanism, for operating the other screwthreaded memberduring the weighing` of a load, whereby the clutch members will becoupled to start the conveyer.

S. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiver,of a conveyer; driving mechanism for said conveyer, including a clutch;an actuator for said clutch; two members in screw-threaded engagement,one of said members being conneeted with the clutch-actuator and theother being mounted on the framework; and means controlled by theweighing mechanism, for

operating said last-mentioned member during the weighing of a load.

tl. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver,of a conveyer and its driving mechanism comprehending a clutch; anactuator for said clutch; an interiorly-threaded sleeve mounted on theframework; a bolt seated in said sleeve and connected with the clutchactuator; and means controlled by the weighing mechanism, for turningsaid sleeve during the weighing of a load.

l0. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver,of a conveyer mounted on the load-receiver; driving mechanism for saidconveyer, including a clutch; an interiorly-threaded sleeve on theframework, furnished with means for limiting its longitudinal movement;a threaded bolt seatedwithin said sleeve and connected with theactuator; and means controlled by the weighing mechanism, for turningsaid sleeve, during the weighing of aload, whereby the members of theclutch can be coupled to start the conveyer.

ll. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver,of a conveyer mounted on the load-receiver; driving mechanism for saidconveyer, including a clutch; an actuator for said clutch; two membersin screw-threaded engagement, one of said members being connected withthe clutch-actuator and the other member being mounted on the framework;a counterweighted arm for turning said last-mentioned member; and meansoperative with the weighing mechanism, for controlling the action ofsaid arm.

l2. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver7of a conveyer mounted on the load-receiver; driving mechanism for saidconveyer, embodying a clutch; a clutch-actuator; two screw-threadedmembers in engagement, one of them being connected with theclutch-actuator and the other being carried by the framework; acounterweighted arm connected to said last-mentioned member, for turningthe same; and a reciprocatory rod pivoted to said arm and controlled bythe weighing mechanism.

13. The combination, with weighing mechanism including aload-receiver,of a conveyer mounted on the load-receiver; drivingmechanism for saideonveyer, embodying a clutch; a clutch-actuator; two members inscrewthreaded engagement, one of them being connected with theclutch-actuator and the other being mounted cn the framework; acounterweighted arm for turning said last-mentioned member; meansincluding a latch, for governing the discharge of the load; and areciprocatory rod pivoted to said counterweighted arm and controlled bythe weighing mechanism, said rod being furnished with a tripper for saidlatch.

14. The combination, with weighing mechanism, of load-discharge meanstherefor em- IOO IIO

bodying a latch; a conveyor and its driving mechanism, comprehending` aclutch; an actuator for said clutch; two screw-threaded members, one ofwhich is connected with said actuator; an arm connected with the otherscrew-threaded member; anda rod controlled by the weighing mechanism,said rod having a tripper for the latch and being also connected withsaid arm.

15. The combination, with weighing mechanism including` a load-receiver,of a hopper in position to supply a stream of material to theload-receiver; a valve situated below the hopper; links connected tosaid valve at opposite sides of one of its axes, said links projectingin reverse directions from the valve and being connected with theframework; a

` device for operating the valve, to stop the flow of material to theload-receiver; and means operative with the weighing mechanism, foractuating the valve.

16. rllhe combination, with weighing mechanism including aload-receiver, of a hopper; a valve for said hopper; links extendingrearwardly from the valve and at opposite sides of one ot its axes, saidlinks being attached to the framework; a shaft to which one of the linksis attached; a valve closing device mounted on said shaft; andconnections between the valve and the weighingmechanism, for controllingthe action of the valve.

17. rlhe combination, with weighing mechanism .including aload-receiver, of a hopper in position to supply a stream of material tothe load-receiver; a valve for the hopper; a valved spout `on theframework; a reciprocatory rod provided with a pin and connected withthe hopper-valve and bearing against the weighing mechanism; and acounterweighted arm connected to the valve of said spout and adapted toengage said pin.

18. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver,of a hopper in position to supply a stream of material to theload-receiver; a valve situated below the hopper; links arranged inpairs and connected to the valve at opposite sides of one of its axes,said links projeetin g in reverse directions from the valve and beingconnected to the framework; a shaft secured to one of the links andprovided with a crank-arm; a rod pivoted to said crank-arm and bearingagainst the weighing mechanism; a valved hopper7 the valve of which isfurnished with an arm adapted normally to engage a pin on said rod;load-reducing means; and a second reciprocatory rod having meansoperative therewith for controlling the action of the load-reducingmeans.

19. The combination, with weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiver;of a valved spout; a conveyor mounted on the load-receiver; a hoppersituated to supply material to the load-receiver; driving mechanism forthe conveyer, embodying a clutch; a valve 3 links connected with saidvalve; a shaft secured to yone of the links and provided with acrank-arm; a rod pivoted to said crank-arm and furnished with a pin; anarm connected with the valve of vsaid spout and adapted normally to reston said pin; and a second rod controlled by the weighing mechanism andhaving means cooperative therewith for coupling and uncoupling themembers of the clutch.

20. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver;of means embodying a latch, for governing the discharge of a load; aconveyer mounted on the load-receiver; a valved spout secured to theframework; a hopper located to deliver a stream of material to theload-receiver; a valve for said hopper; a rod connected with said valveand provided with a pin; an arm on the valve of said spout, normallyengaging said pin; a conveyor mounted on the load-receiver; drivingmechanism for said conveyer, comprehending a clutch; a secondreciprocatory rod bearing against the weighing mechanism and havingmeans cooperative therewith for coupling` and uncoupling the members ofthe clutch; and a tripper for the latch, mounted on said last-mentionedrod.

21. The combination, with a load-receiver provided with a closer; ofmeans including a latch, for holding the closer shut; a supplyhopperlocated to deliver a stream of material to the load-receiver a valve forsaid supply-hopper; a conveyer mounted on the loadreceiver; drivingmechanism for said conveyer, including a clutch; a reciprocatory rodgoverned by the weighing mechanism and connected with the valve, saidrod having a pin; a valved spout mounted on the framework, the valvethereof being furnished with an arm normally engaging said pin; a secondrod furnished with a tripper for the latch, said rod being alsocontrolled by the weighing mechanism and having means operativetherewith for coupli-ng and uncoupling the clutch; a stop connected withthe valve for the hopper; and a cooperating stop connected with thecloser, each of said stops being adapted to block the action of theother.

22. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver;of overloading and load-reducing means therefor; the overloading meansembodying a valve; an auxiliary load-receiver; a valve for said auX-iliary load-receiver; a rod having a device for operating the auxiliaryvalve and connected with the inst-mentioned valve; a shiftable actuatorin position for imparting a stroke to said rod; a stop connected withthe overload-controlling valve; and a coperatin gstop mounted on theweighing mechanism.

23. The combination, with weighing mechanism including a load-receiver,of streamsupplying means; a valve having supportinglinks connectedthereto at different points; a shaft to which one of said links isattached; 'a rod cooperative, respectively, with said shaft and theweighing mechanism; means 'for removing material from the load-receiver;

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a valved receiver; a device on said rod, for operating the valve of saidreceiver; an interlocking stop cooperative with the firstmentionedvalve; and a cooperating interlocking stop on the Weighing mechanism.

2l. The combination,\vith weighing meehanism including a load-receiverhaving a discharge-outlet, of a closer consisting of twooppositely-inclined sections adapted, when shut, to lit against thesimilarly-shaped lower end of the load-receiver; longitudinal rodssecured to opposite ends of the closer; a closer-retarding regulatoriixed between said rods; and counterweighted levers mounted on theopposite ends of the load-receiver and connected, respectively, to saidrods.

25. The combination, with a loadreceiver having a discharge-outlet; of acloser for said outlet, supported for reciprocatory movement relativelyto the load-receiver; a rod fixed to said closer; and a counterweightedlever supported on the load-receiver and connected with said rod.

26. The combination, with Weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiverprovided with a closer, of stream-supplying means; a valve controlled bythe Weighing mechanism;

supporting-links for said valve, connected thereto at dil't'erentpoints; an interlocking stop cooperative With said valve; rods lixed tosaid closer at opposite ends thereof; coun tei-weighted levers mountedon the load-receiver and pivoted to said rods; a regulator fixed to saidrods; and an interlocking stop coperative With the first-mentioned interlocking stop and connected with said rods.

27. The combination, with Weighing mechanism embodying a load-receiver;of overloading and load-reducing means therefor, the load-reducing meansincluding a conveyer; driving mechanism for said conveyer, eomprehendinga clutch; two members in screw-threaded engagement; an actuatorccnnected with one of saidscrew-threaded1ne1n bers; means for turningthe other screw threaded member; and a shiftable device mounted on theweighing mechanism, for controlling the action of the means that turnsaid screw-threaded member.

FRANCIS Il. RICHARDS.

lVitnesses:

FRED. J. DOLE, F. N. CHASE.

